Credit: Lightspring/Shutterstock In our search for the best accounting software for small businesses, we looked for solutions that are affordable and easy to use. We also looked for timesaving features that take the headache out of small business accounting, such as automated entries, invoicing, bill payment, expense reports, financial reports and reconciliation. Additionally, we looked for cloud-based software that syncs with bank accounts and point of sale (POS) systems, making it simple to perform advanced tasks, such as running financial reports and accepting payments.
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Our staff researched and reviewed an extensive collection of programs and selected what we believe to be the best accounting software for different types of small businesses in 2018. Here's a roundup of our best picks and details about how we chose them. To help you find the right accounting software for your business, check out our. Best Accounting Software.
Best Small Business Accounting Software: Intuit QuickBooks Online Intuit QuickBooks Online offers a range of features for all types of small businesses. This includes freelancers, consultants, online merchants, store and restaurant owners, service providers and more.
Whether you're just starting out, expanding or have an established business, QuickBooks Online is packed with basic and advanced features to meet your accounting needs. Go for a full review of QuickBooks Online accounting software. Best Accounting Software for Mac: Xero Mac users often grapple with the issue of software that is stripped down or is less intuitive than its Windows counterpart.
Xero's cloud-based accounting software, which is available for both PC and Mac, is a full-featured solution that doesn't compromise on features or ease of use just because you're using a Mac. It can help you save time and simplify accounting by automating tasks and integrating with more than 600 apps. Xero also comes with 24/7 email and live chat support and outbound phone assistance at no extra cost. Go for a full review of Xero accounting software. Best Accounting Software for Really Small Businesses: Zoho Books Really small businesses need really simple accounting software. Zoho Books offers all of the basic features microbusinesses need as well as advanced tools and integrations so you can continue using the software as your business grows. Furthermore, compared with other accounting software for really small businesses, Zoho Books has the best price for all of its capabilities.
Go for a full review of Zoho Books. Best Small Business Invoicing Software: FreshBooks Although all accounting software products have invoicing tools, FreshBooks' are incredibly easy to use. The WYSIWYG format is intuitive, and with just a few clicks you can add billable time and expenses, customize the look of the invoice and set up recurring invoices, automatic payment reminders and late fees.
This accounting software connects to your bank, generates several reports, tracks time and helps you manage projects. Go for a full review of FreshBooks. Best Free Small Business Accounting Software: Wave Financial Not all small businesses need the extra features and support provided with paid accounting services. Wave Financial offers free, cloud-based accounting software specifically designed for small businesses.
Unlike other free accounting software programs that limit capabilities, Wave Financial offers a comprehensive set of accounting features without the monthly price tag. Go for a full review of Wave Financial. Our methodology To find the best accounting software for small businesses, we began by asking business owners which accounting software they use, what they love about it and what they think makes it a 'perfect' accounting application. We also researched popular accounting software that frequently appeared on reputable review websites, top lists and business websites. We then created an extensive list of accounting software.
It included software from our research as well as applications we were already familiar with and vendors who have previously pitched their software to us. We narrowed down this list based on different use-case scenarios and a wide range of criteria, which we've listed in detail below. As part of our research, we studied user reviews, watched tutorial videos and checked out customer resources offered by each vendor, such as knowledgebases, blogs and guides. Next, we evaluated each software application by signing up for a business account and testing them ourselves. This first-hand experience helped us gain an understanding of how the features work and whether the programs are worth their price tags.
It also helped us assess whether the software is as easy to use as each vendor claimed. To further inform our decisions, we contacted each vendor to measure the quality of their customer support. Posing as small business owners in the market for accounting software, we chatted with sales reps and customer service teams and asked a variety of questions.
This also helped clarify any concerns and issues we came across while researching and testing each product. In total, although we started with nearly seventy accounting software products on our list, only 11 of those made it to our short list: Billy, FreeAgent, FreshBooks, Intuit QuickBooks Online, Kashoo, OneUp, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, Wave Accounting, Xero, ZipBooks and Zoho Books. Here are the criteria we used to evaluate each software:. Cost. Ease of use. Customer service. Accountant access.
Timesaving features. Reporting capabilities. Integration with third-party apps. Mobile access and mobile features. Service limitations, including the number of customers, invoices, users, and transactions packages allow.
Additional services like credit card processing, tax preparation and payroll services. Here's a full list of accounting software vendors and a summary of what each company says it offers. This alphabetical list also includes our best picks. AccountEdge – AccountEdge offers two versions of its accounting software, plus an ERP through its parent company, Priority. AccountEdge Basic helps sole proprietors automate their bookkeeping while AccountEdge Pro is full-featured accounting software for small businesses. Both are desktop-based with a one-time fee.
If you want remote access, a cloud-collaboration tool is available for the Pro plan as an add-on. And Co – And Co from Fiverr is free business software for freelancers that provides many of the standard services associated with accounting software, including invoicing, subscription billing, expense and time tracking, and reporting. Its app is available for both the iPhone and Android phones, and it integrates with other popular applications like Stripe, PayPal, Zapier, Slack and MailChimp. Bench – Bench is an online platform that provides bookkeeping software and services to small businesses. The company estimates that its AI-enabled platform can automate 75 percent of a bookkeeper's typical tasks.
It syncs with your business bank and credit card accounts, provides monthly financial statements with visual reports, and offers support to your CPA at tax season. When you have questions about your finances, you can contact your dedicated bookkeeper and receive a response within one business day. Billy – Billy is attractive, basic accounting software for small service-oriented businesses. With it, you can create quotes, estimates and invoices, record expenses and generate reports. It connects to your business bank and credit card accounts to automatically download transaction data and has a proactive reconciliation process that predicts matches.
It has an iPhone app and a Chrome extension for capturing receipts. Botkeeper – Botkeeper is an accounting service that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate bookkeeping, and a dedicated (human) accountant to oversee your account and handle urgent or complex issues.
Businesses in any industry can use this service, and it integrates with top banks and accounting, POS and ecommerce software. Pricing is based on the number of transactions you record each month, and there's no lengthy contract. Bottom Line Accounting – Bottom Line Accounting is desktop accounting software for PCs. The software is module-based, allowing you to customize it to suit your business's needs.
The basic kit has general ledger, bank reconciliation and financial utilities modules. You can also add modules for accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory and point of sale, purchase order and payroll. CenterPoint Accounting – CenterPoint Accounting from Red Wing Software has multiple editions of its accounting software for different types of organizations, including businesses, farms, nonprofits and municipal government. It supports an unlimited number of transactions, customers, suppliers and products and there's no limit to the years of historical accounting data you can store.
Payroll services are also available. CheckMark MultiLedger – CheckMark MultiLedger is desktop accounting software for small businesses. It supports up to 10 simultaneous users, and features include A/P, A/R, bank reconciliation, commissions, general ledger, inventory, invoicing, job tracking, purchase ordering and reporting. The company offers a cloud backup add-on for a monthly fee. The company also offers 1099 Software that you can use to print or e-file tax forms. ClearBooks – ClearBooks is cloud-based accounting software with a full set of A/R and A/P features. It connects to your business bank accounts, and you can use it to send quotes and invoices, manage vendors, create purchase orders, pay bills, and run reports.
It can be used by small businesses in any country. Crunched – Crunched is cloud-based accounting software designed for both new and established small businesses. With it, you can track your finances, send quotes and invoices to customers, track bills and expenses, reconcile transactions, and generate reports. The company offers its own payment processing service that you must use if you want to accept online invoice payments and integrates with Gusto for payroll and HR services. Denali – Denali, on-premises accounting software from Cougar Mountain Software, can be used by businesses of all sizes, including those with multiple locations.
The software is modular, allowing you to customize it with just the features you need. Modules include payroll, inventory and POS.
POS hardware and e-commerce website are also available from this company. FreeAgent – FreeAgent is cloud-based accounting software for small businesses, freelancers and consultants. It supports unlimited users, clients and invoices for one monthly price.
Features include automatic bank feeds, recurring invoices, automated payment reminders and time tracking. It also has project management tools to help you keep track of billable hours and expenses.FreshBooks – A favorite among small business owners, FreshBooks is one of the most user-friendly cloud-based accounting applications for non-accountants. It makes it easy to bill clients, set up recurring invoices and automatic payment reminders, and accept online payments. Its mobile app allows you to accomplish a wide range of accounting tasks on the go, such as invoicing, time tracking and managing expenses. Read our full review.
GnuCash – GnuCash is free accounting software for small businesses that has a useful selection of features to help you manage your finances, such as income and expense tracking, double-entry accounting, financial reports and calculations, scheduled transactions and statement reconciliation. It can also track bank accounts, stocks, bonds and mutual funds. GnuCash is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android devices. GoDaddy Online Bookkeeping – Formerly Outright, Go Daddy Online Bookkeeping imports data from your bank, credit cards and sales accounts such as Amazon and Etsy. It categorizes your sales and expenses, then uses this data to prepare your Schedule C taxes. You can also use this software to create, send and track invoices, accept invoice payments online and send late payment reminders. Harvest – Harvest makes it easy to bill clients and get paid.
It offers a simple platform that lets you easily track time and turn billable hours into professional invoices. You can also log expenses, take snapshots of receipts, generate reports and connect the app to Google Apps, Salesforce, Basecamp and more than 50 other business programs. Hiveage – Hiveage is online invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses. It allows you create estimates and quotes, then convert them to invoices after client acceptance. The software tracks time, expenses and mileage. It also allows you to accept online payments, including recurring payments such as subscriptions. All plans support unlimited clients and invoices.
KashFlow – With KashFlow accounting software for small businesses, you can invoice your customers, reconcile bank transactions, accept invoice payments online and generate more than 50 reports. The software includes a mobile app for Android and iOS, and integrations are available. It can be used by businesses in many countries, including the U.S., but its payroll features are exclusive to U.K.-based businesses. Kashoo – Kashoo's online accounting software can handle your invoicing, expense tracking and double-entry bookkeeping on your computer, iPhone and iPad.
It connects to your bank accounts, accepts online invoice payments, generates reports, and offers collaboration features, so you can share your books with your bookkeeper, accountant and business partners at no extra cost. Less Accounting – Less Accounting is accounting software for small business owners that want to spend less time managing their finances and more time running their businesses. It automates tasks such as data entry and billing, and has features for invoicing, tracking expenses and mileage, managing contacts, and generating reports. The company also offers bookkeeping services. MyBooks – myBooks by Zetran is affordable cloud-based accounting software for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It has enterprise-grade security and connects to your bank feeds to automatically import your transactions.
Your key accounting metrics are displayed as charts and graphs on the dashboard, and you can easily create attractive invoices using its built-in templates. NolaPro – NolaPro by Noguska is accounting software for Windows and Linux that you can customize with modules and enhance with more than 100 addons. Features include billing, inventory, order management, payables, and payroll. The company offers three plans, with a free starter plan for home-based businesses. Officewise – Officewise, formerly known as Alatus, is web-based accounting software for small businesses.
It has month-to-month subscriptions and a offers free plan for very small businesses. You can use it to send quotes and invoices, manage bills and expenses, create purchase orders, track inventory, create budgets and generate more than 50 reports. OneUp – OneUp is online accounting software for small businesses that's especially well-suited for businesses with sales teams and inventory. With it, you can create and send quotes or sales orders, convert them to invoices, track bills, and manage inventory in real time. It uses AI technology to speed up bank reconciliation and includes CRM tools so your sales team can use the software to follow up on leads.
Patriot Software – Patriot Software's online accounting system for small business owners allows you to choose between cash, modified cash or accrual accounting methods. With it, you can invoice your customers, track payments and expenses, and generate reports such as a profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and paid and unpaid customer invoices. The company also offers payroll software.QuickBooks Online – QuickBooks Online from Intuit has both accounts receivable and payable features, and it can track projects and inventory, making it a great choice for nearly every business type. If you want to customize the software with additional features, you can choose from hundreds of apps that integrate with this system.
For users that prefer to install software rather than use an online app, the company offers QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, QuickBooks Premier and QuickBooks Enterprise. Read our full review. Quicken Home & Business – Quicken lets you manage both your personal and business finances in one place, making it a convenient solution for very small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs who don't need accounting software designed for larger or more established businesses.
Although it's only available for Windows, it has iOS and Android apps, and a new Quicken on the Web feature that allow you to access key features from any browser. Sage 50cloud Accounting – Sage 50cloud Accounting is a desktop accounting solution that automatically backs up your data to the cloud and has remote access capabilities. It integrates with Microsoft Office 365 and connects to your bank accounts to help you manage cash flow.
Features include invoicing, inventory management, expense tracking and reporting. Sage Business Cloud Accounting – Sage Business Cloud Accounting (formerly Sage One) is affordable accounting software for small business owners.
With it, you can create quotes, send invoices, accept payments, record expenses, manage contacts and generate reports. Integrations that link the software to more than 100 business applications like POS systems and payroll are available. Sage Intacct – Sage Intacct is advanced, cloud-based financial management software for midsize businesses.
It automates processes and generates a wide range of reports, giving you the ability to evaluate your business's performance from any financial angle. It integrates with Salesforce CRM and other popular business systems. Other Sage accounting products for midsize and large businesses include Sage 100cloud, Sage 300cloud, Sage Business Cloud Financials, Sage Business Cloud Enterprise Management and Sage Fixed Assets. ScaleFactor – ScaleFactor is an automated bookkeeping solution for small and growing businesses. It processes, categorizes and uploads your transactions to your QuickBooks or Xero accounting software and then analyzes your data to give you insights that help you manage your business. It has a customizable dashboard, a chatbot that can answer your questions or forward them to dedicated experts, integrations and a mobile app.
SlickPie – SlickPie is online accounting software for freelancers and very small businesses. Two plans are available; the Starter plan is free, and the Pro plan carries a monthly subscription fee. Features include bank feeds, online and recurring invoicing, automatic past due reminders, bill and expense tracking, sales tax tracking, and reporting. Tipalti – Tipalti's online accounts payable platform is designed for small and midsize businesses with 100 or more suppliers or 1099 contractors, including international ones.
It estimates that it can eliminate 80 percent of your accounts payable workload by automating multiple processes, including supplier onboarding, invoice processing, tax and regulatory compliance, and account reconciliation.Wave Financial – Wave's cloud-based accounting platform is free to use and offers many of the same features as paid accounting software. It connects to your bank and credit card accounts, tracks your income and expenses, and allows you to create and send invoices, including recurring billing. Online payment and payroll services are also available from this company. Read our full review. WorkingPoint – WorkingPoint is all-inclusive, cloud-based accounting software. It connects to your bank and credit card accounts and includes tools for invoicing, bill and expense tracking, inventory management, contact management, and financial and tax reporting. The company also offers Payroll and email marketing services.Xero – Xero online accounting software for small businesses is affordable, easy to use and integrates with more than 700 third-party business solutions.
Features include invoicing, inventory, bank reconciliation, bill tracking, reporting, and project time and cost tracking. Xero has mobile apps for Apple and Android devices, allowing you to accomplish accounting tasks when you're on the go. Read our full review. Yendo – Yendo small business enterprise resource planning (ERP) software comes with accounting, CRM, and project management modules, as well as a dashboard that gives you a holistic look at your business.
The Financial module has tools to help you create invoices, send reminders, record payments and expenses, generate reports and reconcile accounts. ZipBooks – This online accounting software offers several plans, including one that's free and one that includes bookkeeping services. ZipBooks uses double-entry accounting, connects to your business bank accounts and generates a variety of reports to help you manage your business.
It also includes invoicing, recurring invoicing, online payment acceptance, and billable time and expense tracking tools.Zoho Books – Zoho Books is full-featured accounting software with a small business-friendly price tag. Features include invoicing, automatic payment reminders, time and expense tracking, reporting and reconciliation. It has client portals that your customers can use to approve estimates, pay invoices and view statements. This software integrates with other Zoho applications, payment gateways like PayPal and Square, and popular business solutions like Office 365 and Slack. Read our full review.
Ready to choose an accounting software solution? Here's a breakdown of our complete coverage:. If you'd like your company to be added to this list and possibly considered as a best pick for our next round of reviews, please email your request to.
Additional reporting by Sara Angeles.
An intuitive design that drives productivity It really is possible to get your finances in order in just a few minutes. With a simple time tracker, and the ability to track expenses and record estimates, ZipBooks makes accounting so much simpler. Because of its simple design, your first day with ZipBooks will be a very productive day. Once you’ve signed into your account, you’ll notice that everything is right where you need it, and you’ll be able to focus on what’s important in order of priority.
Try creating a project and recording time you spent on that project. Then pull up our simple invoice template and opt to add unbilled time to that invoice. It’s easy to include recorded project info in an invoice. Your clients will appreciate the transparency, and they’ll thank you by making payments faster. Invoicing made easy ZipBooks is free accounting software for Mac that allows you to create and send an invoice in seconds.
Just log in, create a new invoice, select a client, and opt to add unbilled time to that invoice. When including that time, you’ll have the option to bill by month or by project. This allows you to bill a client for only a certain portion of the time you worked. Or, you can bill for all of the time you have recorded on a project. You don’t need to wait until the end of the day to catch up on paperwork. Feel free to send an invoice while you’re still with a client. Or, begin filling out an invoice when you have a spare minute and save it to send later.
It’s never been easier to invoice than with a free ZipBooks account. Mobile time tracking and project management It’s easy to keep your finances organized when using free accounting software for Mac. ZipBooks allows you to pull up your account from any browser, device, or operating system. So if you start your day in the office and finish your day on the go, you can pull up your data wherever you are. Anywhere-access to your data allows you to keep accurate records without the hassle. When you launch the ZipBooks time tracker, you can start and stop time as you work, or enter time entries manually. And with access to these tools from your mobile device, you can edit a project while sitting on the bus or update the payment status on your invoices while in line at the store.
Keep your data up to date and online with a free ZipBooks account.